Lincoln National Forest AND BLM Stanton-Snowy River Cave NCA are CLOSED!!!!

The Lincoln National Forest is closed as of Wednesday, May 25. Village of Ruidoso trails will remain open, including those around Grindstone Lake, that do not go into the surrounding forest. There will be signs at the boundary where the trails are off-limits.

BLM Roswell issues emergency closure for Ft. Stanton-Snowy River Cave NCA and Lincoln tracts MAY 24, 2022

Due to extreme fire danger, the Bureau of Land Management Roswell Field Office will temporarily close the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and Rio Bonito Acquired Lands, also known as the Lincoln tracts. The closure is effective on May 25, 2022, at 8 a.m., and will continue until further notice.

During the closure, it is prohibited to enter the restricted areas, which includes BLM administered land within the Ft. Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area and the Rio Bonito Acquired Lands within Lincoln County.

The purpose of this order is for the protection of public health and safety by minimizing chances for wildfire starts. Abundant dry fuels, extreme fire danger, and expected worsening fire conditions, has prompted this action. The use of exploding targets and fireworks is prohibited on all BLM-managed lands in New Mexico by statewide order.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Restitution for total costs of fire suppression or damage will be borne by the violator.

The BLM appreciates the public’s cooperation in helping to minimize the number of human-caused wildfires. For more information, please contact the BLM Roswell Field Office at 575-622-5335 or the BLM NM Fire Restrictions site. Additional fire restrictions information can be found at www.nmfireinfo.com.

New Mexico State Parks Announces Temporary Closures & Restrictions Due to Extreme Fire Danger – May 18, 2022

Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation Imposes Stage 3 Closure Due to Extreme Fire Danger – May 24, 2022